Hulk Hogan on WCW Live

On WCW.com's internet audio show, Hogan discusses a wide variety of topics, not holding back his feelings about the entire wrestling world and his place in it.

How wrestlers should treat minor injuries

If (some wrestlers) were to get a bruise on their ribs, they'd go to a doctor...(they'd) take advantage of injuries...very self serving. We need guys who are injured...if they can climb back in the ring (to do so)...The biggest problem is talent control...We couldn't get these guys to work...Some defect to the WWF (and now they work every night)...Big Bossman, who I love to death, (would always say he was injured)...now he (always works).

Thoughts on the business and being a player

"Some people are opinionated about me that don't know a damn thing about this wrestling business...I'm only now beginning to figure out what this business is about...it changes from week to week...I've main evented since 1978...I saved my damn money...I opened the door (to movies and TV), these guys walked through it...I can't live long enough to spend the money I've got...If there was anything to prove...I honestly care what people think about me...I'm gonna be a player, working with Kidman.

Creative control

I have creative control, which I've never excercised...I've never balked on a finish...I'm gonna do business, by working with the Kidmans...Kanyons...Vampiros...all these guys...I'll do anything...I'm not gonna give anyone anything...but (if) they prove they can be a player...those are the guys I want to work with...Those who ask how much they're gonna get paid to work with a dying kid...I want nothing to do with...

Kidman

I love working with Kidman...(but) he's gonna pay some dues...

The bookers and competing with the WWF

Russo and Ferrara (are) the support team that Eric needs...If you're gonna compete with the WWF...When Rikishi rubs his butt in someone's face, we have to let Terry Funk do the same thing...They won't let him. That's not fair...I don't want to work with young guys... unless they're ready to work hard for their spot...The same goes for Goldberg when he comes back...

His bad knee

My knee...is pretty much worn out...Somewhere down the road, it's gonna have to be replaced...It's definitely no picnic. It hurts like hell...

The WWF

Never say never (about me returning to the WWF)...I love working with the WCW. Eric Bischoff, if he hadn't come back, I probably would've quit. Vince McMahon has approached me several times...has tried to talk me into coming back...Vince McMahon could wrestle Hulk Hogan, and we'd sell out the Astrodome in a heartbeat. Hulk Hogan vs. The Rock (would be another marquee match)...I'm gonna be around for a while.

A book

Many people have approached me about doing a book...These guys are trying to be honest and still entertaining the people...If I come out with a book...it'll have a lot to do with the injuries that happen...(working every day)...the parties...the drugs...If I write a book, it's gonna be a straight up shoot...A lot of people would be unhappy about it...Now is not the time to do it...

How the business has changed

This business has changed...It is just incredible how quickly it changes...Changed for the better...yes...The guys don't have to work as much...(They're) better compensated...In the old days, that wasn't happening...The business is...getting more civilized...I hope the guys making this kind of money can someday get the respect they need to have...

Retirement match

I wouldn't care if I won or lost (my last match), because this business is a work...When I leave this business...(I'd want) my last match to be a big pay-per-view...I'd love (my final match) to be against Goldberg...If I was in the WWF, I'd want it to be against Vince McMahon or Stone Cold Steve Austin.

The fans

As long as people are talking about me (I'm happy)...I'm an egomaniac...I love this business...I love hearing from people...I'm not tired of it yet.

The differences between Hulk Hogan and Terry Bollea

Hulk Hogan...is a character out there...can be a good guy...bad guy...Understand the wrestlers...understand the fans...I'm a businessman...I'm on guard at all times...Terry Bollea is a guy that's just basically happy with his wife...kids...I never have my guard up...

Starting a federation

The head guys at the FOX network were real interested in me bringing in the right guys...but not run head to head...There is no reason to split the market...The option is always there (to start a federation)...I just don't know if I want the headaches...I've considered it, but I've never really taken that ultimate step to go with it.

Thoughts on ECW and Mike Awesome

ECW was a much cooler place to be than WCW for the last couple of months...(Now) the tides have turned...(I had Awesome over at my house)...I wanted to steal (Awesome) and get him up and running with us...I respect the hell out of those guys (in ECW)...

What should be changed about WCW

If there was one thing I could change about WCW, it would be the guaranteed contracts...They (should) get paid as they perform...Everyone in WCW gets checks every two weeks (regardless of whether they perform or not)...If I don't work, I don't get paid...That makes you want to work.

The reaction to Hogan calling Kidman a "flea market champion."

All the boys jumped on the internet...(such as Kanyon)...like I said something bad about their mother (when I called Kidman a flea market champion)...They don't need to be (complaining to the) promoters...staying in their hotel rooms until they know the finish...(or) asking how much (they'd be paid for charity work)...

Shooting on Kidman

The stuff I said about Kidman was a shoot...The guy's not ready for the spot...If he faced Perry Saturn (on a PPV)...I wouldn't buy (it)...If he wants to be a main eventer...he has to work with a main event guy...He has to make his own breaks...When I called him a flea market champion...he took it real personally...